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Stephen Kotkin

is the John P. Birkelund Professor in History and International Affairs at Princeton University, where he has taught since 1989. He is also a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

History

Perhaps the most succinct definition of the scientific method is, To actively seek information that contradicts what one thinks. But let’s be honest: if someone has a hunch, chances are he or she is going to look for confirmation – and find it. Information that contradicts one’s hypothesis, even if discovered by accident, will sometimes not even be seen. It’s natural, and it’s got a name: confirmation bias Read More ›